Ashley Craig

Ashley Craig is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Michigan. He holds a PhD and Master’s in Economics from Harvard University, following earlier work at the Reserve Bank of Australia. His research focuses on public finance, taxation policy, discrimination, and the economic impacts of social policies such as student discipline reforms and pandemic responses. Professor Craig emphasizes critical analysis and clear communication in his teaching, notably in courses like ECON 490: Advanced Public Economics, where students develop rigorous writing skills. His work bridges academic and policy-oriented perspectives, challenging traditional economic assumptions about market efficiency and rationality.

Education

• PhD in Economics, Harvard University
• Master’s in Economics, Harvard University

Research Interests

Craig’s research explores how tax systems and public policies can address societal challenges. Key areas include the redistributive effects of taxation, the role of ethics in economic decision-making, and the unintended consequences of policy reforms. His recent work with James Hines examines taxation as a tool for pandemic control, while a project with David Martin analyzes the benefits of relaxed student discipline policies in New York City schools. These studies highlight his commitment to using economic tools to address diverse issues like education equity and public health.

Teaching & Mentorship

In Winter 2021, Craig taught ECON 490 and 684, emphasizing analytical writing and policy synthesis. Students engage with complex economic models while learning to communicate findings to both academic and policy audiences. Craig stresses that economic models are simplifications meant to highlight insights, not literal descriptions of reality, challenging misconceptions about market efficiency.

Labs & Collaborations

Craig collaborates with peers at U-M and Harvard, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. His work with James Hines Jr. exemplifies this, combining tax policy expertise to address pandemic-era challenges. No specific lab affiliations are mentioned in the text.